''It's a huge loss for us, and for the community. He was very outgoing,'' she said.
Smith was a regular lock for the Kurow premier rugby team that made the Citizens Shield semifinals earlier this year, and scored a century in the final to lead Glenavy to the North Otago senior reserve cricket title last summer.
Kurow coach Kevin Malcolm said the club was banding together to support Mr Smith's family, partner and team-mates.
''We're doing what we can. We're bringing them together and making sure they're supported at this time.''
Malcolm said Smith was ''the tallest player in the valley, and he made sure everyone knew that''.
''He's a larger-than-life character who was just warm and friendly to everyone and we just really enjoyed his company.''
Malcolm had coached Smith for the past three years.
He said given how close Smith's death had been to Blackler's he understood that ''at times it would be very good to be a hermit''.
He believed the Kurow Rugby Club would work through the tragedy together and eventually recover from the losses.
Glenavy cricket captain Ross McCulloch had known Smith since he was a child. He described him as great team-mate.
He said Smith was someone the team could rely on. He worked tirelessly to make sure a team was fielded each weekend.
A personal highlight for both was the senior reserve title win.
''Last year was the first time in 15 years that Glenavy played the whole season [and we] came away with the trophy. He was 112 not out and he got five wickets. It was a good night, that night.''
Smith also played cricket for Albion.
Police said inquiries into Mr Smith's death were ongoing.
